Episode 24 - January 1999 - Life in Oak Springs, the Homeplace

Life in Oak Springs, the Homeplace

January 1999

This series of posts on each Friday, moving forward during 2016 will continue the stories of “The Homeplace Saga” series of family saga, historical fiction families in the area of Oak Springs following the novel “Christmas at the Homeplace,” which ended as 1997 began.

Earlier, we have seen the community move from January 1997 through December 1998. We are now in January of 1999, in episodic serial format…

Episode 24 - Christopher, in his office, Thursday morning, with Bruce

(Part II, continued from Part I)

[From the end of Episode 23:

Christopher: Really. Do you know how much she had ‘accumulated?’

Bruce: It was something in excess of $10,000 at the time of her death.

Christopher: Interesting. She must have gotten some pretty good roles. Did she work other than acting?

Bruce: Not that I ever heard of. [End of Part I] ]

Christopher: Were there any other markings on the box?

Bruce: Yes, there was one. There was a Masonic logo on the top.

Christopher: I was pretty sure you would say that, Bruce. Here is something we learned, about that box. Ethel’s grandfather, William, kept a personal journal that recently came into the hands of the family. His notations on farming and the weather were often detailed. His comments about family were generally pretty cryptic. From what we have learned, from the journal, and talking to a elderly friend, still living, William referred to Ethel as “Snooki.” He apparently thought a great deal of her. There is some evidence they exchanged letters over the years, but none seemed to have survived. However, one entry in his journal referenced a box, about the time she left for New York: “Took care of Snooki. Sent with her in Mason box, to remember me by.” William was an active Mason.

Bruce: Did it say what was in the box?

Christopher: No, not in the journal. However, it seemed he was the only one in the family who was willing to offer her support to follow her dream. My grandfather was a young lawyer in town at the time, the only one in town. It seemed logical to me that if William ‘took care of’ her, there might have been a legal consultation and perhaps a record. Before my father died, he made me aware that there were legal records of the firm dating back into the 1920s in the bank vault, for safekeeping. He said they might still come in handy one day… he had used them a couple of times.

Knowing the approximate date, and the parties, I was able to retrieve a copy of the document that was in that box that went to New York with Ethel. It is short. I’ll let you read it.

Bruce: [after reading the document] He sent along ten thousand dollars in government bonds. He actually said, ‘This is your inheritance.’ [Bruce paused for a moment.] They would have survived the Great Depression. He recommended she only spend the interest as needed, and save the principle for ‘a rainy day.’ That was the money Carlos had for me.

Christopher: That is how I read it, as well. A few days after you were born, Ethel wrote him a letter. He noted, “Snookie has great news.” But then, she died. Several days later, he noted, “Haven’t heard from Snooki.” He died a few days after that, of an apparent heart attack. 

Bruce: And that is why you all knew nothing of this relationship.

Christopher. It certainly appears that way.

Bruce: It also appears I already got my inheritance, didn’t I?

Christopher: Yes. You were very fortunate there was one to receive. You were able to make the most of it, from what you said earlier.

Bruce: Yes I was. I certainly was. This is a bit of a relief. Thank you.

Christopher: By the way, Bruce, welcome to the family. I think we have clearly shown that you are a McDonald, even though your name is Randolph.

Bruce: That is very nice to know.

Christopher: Let’s arrange to have you meet the rest of the family.

Bruce: I’d like that.

…and that is what they did.

[This Friday series of posts will now go on Hiatus for a bit. Thank you for your support!]

Follow earlier stories of William and his extended family and friends at:

http://hubpages.com/@homeplaceseries

…as well as related stories at: http://hubpages.com/@drbill-wml-smith

"May everyone have a homeplace, if only in your mind."

Dr. Bill  ;-)

Episode 23 - January 1999 - Life in Oak Springs, the Homeplace

Life in Oak Springs, the Homeplace

January 1999

This series of posts on each Friday, moving forward during 2016 will continue the stories of “The Homeplace Saga” series of family saga, historical fiction families in the area of Oak Springs following the novel “Christmas at the Homeplace,” which ended as 1997 began.

Earlier, we have seen the community move from January 1997 through December 1998. We are now in January of 1999, in episodic serial format…

Episode 23 - Christopher, in his office, Thursday morning, with Bruce

Bruce: Here is the Birth Certificate I promised to show you.

Christopher: Thank you. [Paused, as he read it] This says your mother was Ethel Randolph, and your name is Bruce William Randolph. Her parents’ name spaces are blank as well as the father space. What can you tell me about that? Also, a Carlos Chevez provided the information? Who is that?

Bruce: Well, you certainly asked the pertinent questions. Let me tell you what I know. I suppose I should say ‘what I’ve been told.’ I know of no one living today who was there. Carlos Chevez was the father of my mother’s roommate during the years she lived in New York City. The roommate’s name was Bernice. Her mother was Maria. Carlos and Maria raised me. Virtually all I know is information they told me, as I was growing up, before they each died, in the 1970s. Bernice died in the late 1950s. I don’t recall ever seeing her. [He paused… reflecting.]

Christopher: OK, tell me more.

Bruce: They told me that my mother called herself Ethel Randolph from the day she arrived in New York City. It was not until fairly recently that I even questioned that. The only physical thing they gave me that they said was hers, that she wanted me to have, was a wooden box with some of her scarves, and some small costume jewelry, in it. I kept it on a shelf. A couple of years ago, I picked it up, and for the first time, apparently, I looked at the bottom. There were the words: “McDonald - Missouri.” I initially assumed that was the maker of the box, or where she had purchased it. I gave it no further thought, but the words apparently stuck in my head. When I say the newspaper article about the McDonald Conservancy grant from the State of Missouri - “McDonald - Missouri” rang up in my mind.  

Christopher: We didn’t even know about Ethel. How did you make the connection?

Bruce: The Conservancy story gave the family names and location. I knew from the stories about when she came, so it was the 1920 census information that confirmed for me her name, when I got to that. It did take some searching, many dead ends along the way.

Christopher: How did the Chevez couple happen to take you in? What happened to your mother? To Bernice?

Bruce: Ethel, my mother, died just a few days after I was born, they said. Complications from childbirth, it says on her death certificate.

Christopher: Do you have a copy of that, as well?

Bruce: Yes, I do. Here is a copy.

Christopher: May 1st, 1939. Most interesting. Carlos was the informant on this document, as well?

Bruce: Yes. The way I understand it, my mother had actually gotten closer to Carlos and Maria than their own daughter. Especially after she got pregnant and was going to have a baby. Bernice really didn’t want anything to do with it. It seems she pulled clear away from the situation. At the same time, it seemed her parents became very protective of my mother. We’ll never know all the details, of course. Carlos was an accountant. Very respected in the Cuban-American community they lived in. I think he looked after the money my mother had accumulated, as well. She actually left more than I would have expected. Carlos kept it invested. By the time I was of age, it actually got me started in my own brokerage business.

Christopher: Really. Do you know how much she had ‘accumulated?’

Bruce: It was something in excess of $10,000 at the time of her death.

Christopher: Interesting. She must have gotten some pretty good roles. Did she work other than acting?

Bruce: Not that I ever heard of. [End of Part I]

[To be continued - next Friday]

"May everyone have a homeplace, if only in your mind."

Dr. Bill  ;-)

Episode 22 - January 1999 - Life in Oak Springs, the Homeplace

Life in Oak Springs, the Homeplace

January 1999

This series of posts on each Friday, moving forward during 2016 will continue the stories of “The Homeplace Saga” series of family saga, historical fiction families in the area of Oak Springs following the novel “Christmas at the Homeplace,” which ended as 1997 began.

Earlier, we have seen the community move from January 1997 through December 1998. We are now in January of 1999, in episodic serial format…

Episode 22 - Jennifer with Karen and Christopher, mid-morning on Wednesday

[From Episode 21:

Karen: No, I think that was all. It was striking, however, how strong the memory was for Virginia when she talked about it. She became visibly upset, and I had to excuse myself and end the conversation. Also, I cannot believe they never heard from Ethel, again. Those were certainly different times.]

Jennifer asked to meet Karen and Christopher in his office, at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday morning. She had the following information to share with them.

Jennifer: There are occasional “Snooki” references in William’s journals, but the following ones appear to include wording that may be useful clues, for our purposes.

June 22, 1929:

“Snooki to follow her dream.”

July 14, 1929:

“Took care of Snooki. Sent with her in Mason box, to remember me by.”

Then, nearly ten years later, we have these entries.

April 26, 1939:

“Snookie has great news.”

May 2, 1939:

“Haven’t heard from Snooki.”

This was actually the last entry in his journal. William died four days later on May 6, 1939, of a heart attack. I checked on the death certificate we have on him, to verify this.

Christopher: So, the ‘follow her dream’ entry fits with what Virginia told Karen.

Karen: That does appear to confirm the dates Virginia mentioned.

Christopher: The ‘took care of Snooki” may be the one I was looking for. That gives me a date to work on. This afternoon, Edith Brown, my dad’s secretary, and I are going over to the bank vault, to search the records of my grandfather, C.P. Odgen, who would have been the lawyer in town in 1929. Before Dad died, he reminded me to have Edith show me where those very early records are kept. We went and looked at them once, but were not looking for anything particular, at that time. With this date, we have something to go on, to pinpoint our search. That is, If there is anything there, from William, of course.

Karen: I imagine the ‘great news’ entry is about the birth, if that coincides with Bruce’s birthday. The last entry is very sad. William apparently died without hearing anything more.

Jennifer: That is certainly the way I read it as well. I wonder why he didn’t hear from her, or the family never said anymore about it.

Christopher: I’ll be talking to Bruce, tomorrow, about those dates. Let’s not say anything about this to the others, just let. Let me see what I find, and I’ll talk to Bruce more tomorrow. Then, we’ll go from there. Agreed?

Karen: Agreed.

Jennifer: Agreed. And, best of luck.

Christopher: Thank you.

[To be continued - next Friday]

"May everyone have a homeplace, if only in your mind."

Dr. Bill  ;-)

Episode 21 - January 1999 - Life in Oak Springs, the Homeplace

Life in Oak Springs, the Homeplace

January 1999

This series of posts on each Friday, moving forward during 2016 will continue the stories of “The Homeplace Saga” series of family saga, historical fiction families in the area of Oak Springs following the novel “Christmas at the Homeplace,” which ended as 1997 began.

Earlier, we have seen the community move from January 1997 through December 1998. We are now in January of 1999, in episodic serial format…

 

http://homeplace.wikispaces.com/serenity

Episode 21 - Christopher with Karen and Jennifer - early Tuesday evening

[From Episode 20:

Karen: “Jennifer came across one of William’s journals where he mentions a “Snooki” - does that name mean anything to you?”

Virginia: “Oh, yes. "Snooki." That was his ‘special name’ for Ethel!”

Virginia had almost spat out the name “Snooki” it seemed to Karen. She closed her conversation with Virginia, not wanting to upset her any more.

Karen: “Thank you, so much, Virginia. It is about time for your supper. I appreciate you talking to me. We’ll talk again, another day.”]

Karen and Jennifer met back at Christopher’s office following Karen’s visit with Virginia.

Karen was anxious to share the specifics of what she had learned from Virginia before any of the details got away from her. As a nurse, she had become used to doing this, but she hoped that ability had not diminished from being away from that kind of situation for a few years now.

Karen: Virginia confirmed that Ethel left Oak Springs during the summer, right after graduating high school. That was 1929. Virginia compared Ethel’s desire to leave with Beverly’s desire to get away from home. However, Ethel’s reason was because she had been encouraged that she could ‘make it’ on Broadway, in New York City.

Jennifer: So, this information basically confirms that she did go to New York, like Bruce Randolph claims.

Karen: Yes, and I think it is important that Virginia said that her parents, Joe and Beth, were strongly opposed to her leaving. But, with her drama coach providing information on where she could stay, and who to contact to get try-outs, it would have been hard to talk her out of going.

Christopher: How did she pay for the move, if her parents were opposed?

Karen: A key question, for sure, Christopher. Virginia said someone provided the financing. She said no one knew for sure, but it was strongly suspected that it was her Grandfather, William McDonald.

Jennifer: That is very interesting. Why did she say that?

Karen: Apparently William had been quite taken with Ethel from the time she was born, or very young. He, and his wife, Charlotte, had only had the one child, Joseph, a son. When Joe and Beth had their first daughter, William treated her as very special from the beginning, and that never let up, it seemed. Virginia said that Mildred was quite jealous of that attention. She even implied that when Ethel left, and never came back, that Mildred was happy with that. Mildred had never mentioned Ethel again, over all those years.

Christopher: So that is why you, and her other children, had not heard of your aunt Ethel?

Karen: Presumably, yes. Two other closely related items, before I forget to mention them. The stock market crash occurred not long after Ethel left. Virginia said that had a strong impact on her family for sure. They had about lost their business and took attention away from any further talk of Ethel. The other thing that may be even more important to us: William had a special name for Ethel: “Snookie.”

Jennifer: Oh my, the name from his journals.

Karen: Yes. We’ll want to look at each of those entries very carefully. There may be important information, or at least clues, in those entries, even if tangential. I know you said they were each short, and cryptic.

Jennifer: I’ll do that, this evening. I’ll let you each know what I find out, in the morning.

Christopher: Good. In the meantime, I’ll want to check on William’s records for 1929, if there are any. If he gave Ethel a fair sum, there might have been a legal record, even if the bank records are no longer available… or especially if it was paid in cash or bonds, or something like that. Thank you, Karen. This at least gives us something to go on. Was there anything else?

Karen: No, I think that was all. It was striking, however, how strong the memory was for Virginia when she talked about it. She became visibly upset, and I had to excuse myself and end the conversation. Also, I cannot believe they never heard from Ethel, again. Those were certainly different times.

[To be continued - next Friday]

"May everyone have a homeplace, if only in your mind."

Dr. Bill  ;-)

Episode 19, January 1999 - Life in Oak Springs, the Homeplace

Life in Oak Springs, the Homeplace

January 1999

This series of posts on each Friday, moving forward during 2016 will continue the stories of “The Homeplace Saga” series of family saga, historical fiction families in the area of Oak Springs following the novel “Christmas at the Homeplace,” which ended as 1997 began. Earlier, we have seen the community move from January 1997 through December 1998. We are now in January of 1999, in episodic serial format…

Episode 19 - Christopher, Bevins family

[From Episode 18:

“That was Christopher. He has called a meeting of all the Bevins Trust family trustees for 3 o’clock this afternoon, at the law office conference room. It seems very important. I told him I’d tell you.” Karen had an ashen, very official demeanor.

“That is very unusual. He didn’t say what it was about?”

“No. He said he would explain when we were all together. I guess we’d better get ready to go. I’ve got some things to arrange. I’m sure you do, as well.”

“Yes, I sure do. I’ll see you there.” Jennifer gathered up the journals to take with her as she left.]

Right at 3 o’clock, Christopher welcomed the group in the law office conference room: “Thank you all for coming on such short notice. I felt this was important enough for everyone to hear it at the same time, so I’ll get right to the point. I have been visited by a man named Bruce Randolph, from New York City, who claims he is a first cousin of you four Bevins siblings. He says he is a son of Ethel, a sister of Mildred McDonald Bevins, your mother. He saw the $800,000 state grant to the McDonald Conservancy in a newspaper, he said, did some research, and now wants ‘his share of his inheritance’ from the Trust. He comes across as a serious, a very cool character. I am not yet certain of his true intentions, but I am taking him very seriously at this point. I’ve asked him to come back on Thursday with his proof of identity. In the meantime, I knew we’d all want to do our own research, as well.”

“First, has anyone else had contact with this Bruce Randolph?”

Christopher had invited Beverly to attend, because she was family, even though technically no longer part of the Bevins Trust. She was the first to speak. “Actually, I think I likely met him last evening at the library, but we didn’t speak about this. We were both looking at old issues of the Enterprise.”

“That was probably him,” Christopher responded. “I assume he is staying nearby. Especially if he really is ‘real,’ I’m sure he is continuing to gather information on the family, and ‘his past.’ What do we know about the sister, his mother, Ethel? I assume that is true?”

Karen replied, “Yes, Jennifer and I have identified her in the 1920 U.S. Census, but we’ve seen nothing else about her. I had assumed she had died. It appears I was wrong. I’ve meant to talk to Virginia about this, but just haven’t gotten around to doing that. I certainly plan to now.”

“Is she able to talk to you?” Christopher knew of her recent health issues.

“Yes, I believe so.” Karen added, “I’ll go by the nursing home and see what I can learn as soon as we are done here. What else do we need to know?”

With no one else speaking up immediately, Christopher continued. “I have already pulled the records here in the office that my father kept from Frank and Mildred’s wills and setting up the trust. I am very confident that they had clear ownership of all their property at that time. Notices were published. No claims were filed. Legally, we should be solid on solid ground on that front. I hope Virginia can tell us more about Ethel. Karen, find out as much as you can. I know Virginia has often been reluctant to talk about ‘the old days.’ Use your best ‘bedside manner,’ please.”

“I’ll do what I can, and let you know.”

Bart finally found his voice. “I don’t ever remember any talk of Mom having a sister. Why would she never have mentioned it?”

Beverly couldn’t help her self, “She kept lots of secrets; you surely remember that!”

Christopher quickly replied, before the sibling rivalry revived. “Let’s each take some time to reflect and see if any old memories come up that we hadn’t thought of before. Perhaps there is someone else in town besides Virginia that might have memories we haven’t considered. Please keep me apprised of your thoughts, and I’ll do my best to keep everyone updated. We all have email now, so I’ll likely give you regular updates.”

Christopher allowed a few moments for further comments and then dismissed the group. As the folks left, Christopher thought to himself, “I’ve never seen this group so quiet. They are all stunned, obviously. I wonder what will come next.”

To Karen, he said, “Please let me know right away what Virginia will tell you. That can be really critical to inform us as to our next step. Thank you, very much.”

“I certainly will.” Karen smiled ruefully and left to see if she could talk to Virginia.

[To be continued - next Friday]

"May everyone have a homeplace, if only in your mind."

Dr. Bill  ;-)